Talk of the most beautiful islands in the world, you are ushered into a whole new experience of beautiful natural architecture, and you will be left in awe of some of the most jaw-dropping and exquisite natural phenomena, there is always an ancient and mystic aura that surrounds islands along with a dose of superstition, no one can resist a weekend on the sandy beaches doing absolutely nothing.
Let's find out among hundreds of islands dotted around the world, the ones that raise the most eyebrows.
1. The Caribbean.
The Caribbean is home to many countries and only 13 are officially recognized, some of the countries you find in the Caribbean are;
Jamaica
This predominantly Rastafarian country still abounds with some of the best beaches in the whole Caribbean. The Negril beach stands out as a gem overlooking the Negril cliffs.
With a population of nearly 3 million and a GDP per capita of 4,586.65 USD and an economy whose sustenance is almost entirely dependent on services, its economic growth is always slower hence the high number of hawkers in its streets and tourist facilities.
Bahamas
This island needs no introduction, it is one of the most patronized islands in the Caribbean, with its fine beaches and turquoise waters most of the rich and famous can be spotted here enjoying the beautiful beaches and world-class hotels.
Dominica
With its mountainous terrain, breathtaking waterfalls, and rainforests, Dominica is a wonder to behold and can grab the top spot among the most beautiful islands in the world without a huff. With a modest population of just over 72000 this small island is home to one of the best natural wonders in the world, The Trafalgar Falls, this island also houses Cabris Park and the beautiful Morne Trois Pitons. All these are 5-star world-class tourist sites.
Cayman Islands
This island is renowned for its adorable squeaky clean beaches and a host of various activities and resources that will keep tourists on their toes.
Seven Mile Beach has a reputation for being the best and most clean beach and is one of the biggest crowd-pullers in the Cayman Islands.
2. The Galápagos Islands.
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This small island of about 25000 people has some very impressive tourist sites that must be seen, these include;
- Tortuga Bay (Santa Cruz)
- Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
- Wall of Tears (Isabela)
- Los Tuneles (Isabela)
- Punta Cormorant (Floreana)
- Rancho Primicias Galapagos Tortoise Ranch (Santa Cruz)
- La LoberÃa (San Cristóbal)
Wildlife is abundant and to those with an outgoing nature this island will provide more than just a safari, danger and suspense is the name of the game here, always give the man-eating animals that live here their space or you will pay dearly for it.
3. The Maldives
No one will ever dispute that Maldives is the most beautiful island as far as water sports is concerned, thousands of water sports enthusiasts throng this heavenly island which consists of numerous islets within it, with a population of around 543000 and a unique culture to go with it, you will fall in love with this Indian Ocean island.
The coral reef ecosystem is under threat from bleaching resulting from algae growth and this is a big problem, in the long run, if measures are not put into place to mitigate the issue, Maldives may in years to come no longer have its clear blue water status which is caused by phytoplankton which absorbs colors from the sunlight.
Here are some of Maldives' best tourist attractions that you can visit.
- Sun Island.
- Banana Reef.
- Alimatha Island.
- Artificial Beach.
- HP Reef.
- Fihalhohi Island.
- Utheemu Ganduvaru.
- Biyadhoo Island.
- Veligandu Island Beach.
- Baros Island.
- Emboodhu Finolhu Island.
- Mirihi Island.
- Como Cocoa Island.
- Huvahendhoo Island.
- Maafushi Island.
- Kanuhura Island.
- Rangali Island.
- Whale Submarine.
- Halaveli Islands.
- Dhigu Island.
- National Museum.
- Bioluminescent Beach.
- Kudadoo Island.
- Hulhumale.
- Maldive Victory.
- Vaadhoo Island.
- Gan Island.
- Thulusdhoo.
- Hanifaru Bay.
- Kudahuvadhoo Island.
- Ukulhas Island.
- Huraa Island.
- Guraidhoo Island.
- Kurumba Beach.
- Grand Friday Mosque.
- Presidential Palace.
- Male Friday Mosque.
- China Maldives Friendship Bridge.
4. Seychelles.
From humble beginnings in 1976 when it gained independence from British rule, Seychelles' economy has been growing steadily, bolstered mainly by its ambitious tourism sector and today it can boast of the highest nominal per capita GDP in Africa, what an achievement!
Seychelles is in fact located in Africa contrary to some belief, it is situated in the western Indian Ocean off mainland Africa, northeast of Madagascar. Here are things you can do in Seychelles.
- Visit the beaches of Mahé and Praslin.
- Take a hike in the forest of La Petite Terre.
- Visit the penguin colony at Mahe Island.
- Explore the limestone caves of Praslin.
- Cruise the seas in a glass-bottomed boat.
- Visit the many villages on the island of Mahé.
- Catch a sunset on Praslin.
- Catch a show at the lively nightlife on La Digue.
- Shop at the colorful markets on La Digue.
- Explore the ancient ruins of Mahe Island
5. The Virgin Islands
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the US Virgin Islands and you will find it on St Thomas Island which is one of the many islands and islets which form what is known as The US Virgin Islands.
There are many activities that one can do on this island which include swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing kayaks, you name it.
St Thomas is the most popular as it serves as an economic hub and gateway to the Virgin Islands and it has shopping, dining entertainment, and everything that you might need handy but there is one major drawback to visiting the Virgin Islands, it remains expensive to travel to this part of the world.
Find out how others are getting cheaper deals to travel to the US Virgin Islands here.
Some of the best places to visit on the islands include world-famous beaches like; Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas, National Virgin Island Conservation Area.
No matter which US Virgin Islands you choose to visit, you will surely enjoy this part of the world.
6. The Cook Islands.
Talk of being extremely remote, the Cook Islands is one of them, visiting these somehow scattered islands won't be cheap, but there are several tourist attractions on the Cook Islands that visitors can enjoy.
One of the most popular spots is Rarotonga, where visitors can explore the vibrant cityscape, browse the many stores and boutiques, and enjoy the lively nightlife.
There are also several beaches on the islands, including the popular Anakena Beach, which is well known for its crystal clear waters and stunning views.
Other popular tourist destinations include Matai Beach and the Mahia Peninsula, both of which offer scenic views and plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. Finally, visitors can also explore the many forests and wildlife reserves on the islands.
7. The Fiji Islands.
Situated in the south pacific about 1,500 miles southeast of Hawaii, Fiji islands houses 330 islands and some of them are just ghost islands without any human activity whatsoever.
Fiji Islands is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and is a popular tourist destination, with a diverse landscape and many beautiful and unique attractions.
The main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, with a combined population of just over 1 million people. The islands are well known for their stunning coral reefs, rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and sandy beaches. Some of the most popular tourist attractions on the islands include the Yasawa Islands National Park, the Vala Nasiri National Park, and the Yasawa Islands Lagoon.
8. The Samoa Islands.
The Samoan Islands consist of 7 islets which are strewn between Hawaii and New Zealand but its 2 main islands are Upolu and Savai'i, The cultural diversity of this very beautiful island is unique with nearly 3 percent being of Hawaiian descent and the rest being Samoans.
There are many tourist attractions to see here, such as famous volcanoes, beaches, and rainforests. Some of the things to do in Samoa include hiking, surfing, and exploring the local villages.
9. Kiribati Islands.
The Republic of Kiribati is a group of islands in the central Pacific Ocean. The total land area is only about 30 square kilometers, and the population is only about 110,000 people. The economy is based mostly on subsistence farming, with a small tourism industry.
The main tourist sites are the capital, Tarawa, and the island of Betio, which is known for its World War II battle site.
Famous for its world-class flyfishing, scuba diving, and scenic seabird wildlife, Kiribati is facing serious rising sea levels, and may soon drown and be forgotten. Apart from being remote, it is one of the less developed in the pacific.
10. The Tonga Islands.
The Kingdom of Tonga, sometimes called The Friendly Island was a protected state of the United Kingdom until 1970.
Tonga Islands is divided into three main island groups which are, in the south, Ha'apai in the center, and Vava'u in the north. Of the over 150 islands in Tonga, about 45 of them remain uninhabited.
There are several tourist attractions located on the islands of Tonga, including the Tonga National Museum, the Tonga Cultural Centre, the Tonga Heritage Trail, and the Royal Palace.
Visitors can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the many crystal-clear waters of the islands, as well as exploring the lush rainforest and stunning coastline. There are also plenty of activities available to tourists, including mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.
11. The Niue Islands.
Niue is well known as one of the largest upraised coral atolls in the world situated in the middle of the South Pacific and is a small island country located on the eastern side of the Ocean.
The island has a population of around 1,500 people and is home to several tourist attractions and things to do.
Some of the tourist attractions in Niue include the Niue Museum, the Niue Cultural Centre, the Niue Botanic Gardens, the Niue Heritage Trail, the Niue Golf Club, and the Niue Lighthouse.
There are several things to do in Niue, including hiking, biking, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Niue also has several restaurants and bars.
Contrary to popular belief that the late pop star Michael Jackson owned Nieu, the truth is that there is a gentleman in Nieu who owns a newspaper publication and coincidentally goes by the name Naea Michael Jackson this myth was peddled for a long time.
12. The Federated States of Micronesia.
The Federated States of Micronesia is an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, It consists of four states –, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. The country has about 100 coral atolls, each with a population of around 2,000 people. The islands are scattered over a distance of about 2,000 miles and the country has a population of about 100,000 people. The islands are very diverse and the people are friendly and proud of their culture.
The islands have a tropical climate and there is a lot of wildlife to be seen here. The islands are very close to Guam and are a popular tourist destination, The country can easily rate as one of the most beautiful islands in this world.
13. The Republic of Palau.
The Republic of Palau is a small country located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The country is made up of over 600 islands, and visitors can find a wide variety of tourist attractions here. The most popular in Palau include;
The Melekeok Islands.
They are a group of small islands located in the center of the country. The islands are home to a variety of different wildlife, and visitors can find beautiful scenery and numerous coral reefs here.
The Angaur Islands.
These islands are located in the eastern part of the country and are sparsely populated. The main attraction here is the coral reefs and fish species. The islands are also known for their limestone caves and beaches.
The Koror Islands.
Mostly known for its beaches, coral reefs, rainforests, mountains, and lagoons. Some of the most popular tourist attractions here are its soft clean beaches, the Moorea Marine National Park, the Nauru Marine Park, the Mount Tarawa National Park, and the Waimea Canyon.
14. The Marshall Islands.
The Marshall Islands are a group of over 1,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are an archipelago and are located off the coast of the country of Micronesia.
The islands are known for their natural beauty and the diverse wildlife that can be found here, including several tourist attractions, you will find Bikini Atoll National Park, the Codfish Islands, the Majuro Atoll National Park, and the Marshalls Lagoon National Marine Sanctuary.
The islands are also home to several resorts, including the Majuro Resort, the Majuro Beach Resort, the Moorea Resort, and the Majuro Lag.
15. The Northern Mariana Islands.
The Northern Mariana Islands is a group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean. They are administratively part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The islands are commonly known as the CNMI, or the "Marianas".
The islands are popular tourist destinations mostly due to their active volcanoes. The CNMI has a population of about 54,000 people, of which about 25,000 are residents of the capital Saipan.
The CNMI is a popular tourist destination for people who want to enjoy the sunshine and the tropical climate. Visitors will be kept on their toes as they will have several attractions to explore, including beautiful beaches and reefs, interesting historical sites, and fascinating wildlife.
Travelers from the USA, Britain, Canada, and Australia do not require a visa, just you, your money, passport, your return ticket, and of course accommodation, how cool is that!
16. The Palau Islands.
The Republic of Palau, a tropical archipelago in the western Pacific, is famous for its heavenly island scenery, pristine dive sites, and world-famous natural features, including the Rock Islands and freakish Jellyfish Lake.
17. Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a beautiful place to visit for tourists and oh boy! is it a hive of activity, from the beaches to the mountains, and the casinos, you will be spoiled for choice.
The beautiful and clean beaches are the main crowd pullers, and there are many to choose from, the mountains are also a popular tourist attraction, they are beautifully freakish and there are many different types of hikes that can be done.
The casinos are also popular tourist attractions, they are massive and you can easily lose your head in these lovely casinos.
Did you know that if you are a holder of a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport you don't need a visa to travel to over 140 countries including the European Union? What a powerful passport.
18. Saint Lucia.
Located in the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean, this English-speaking former British colony is so much full of life.
Saint Lucia boasts of some of the most exquisite resorts you can find on an island, the majestic Piton Mountains, a drive-in volcano, refreshing waterfalls, spectacular hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and exclusive restaurants, the list goes on.
The best way to experience Saint Lucia is by renting a car and exploring the island on your own. Some of the tourist sites worth checking out include the Carenage Valley, the Castries Historic District, and the Vieux Fort.
If you want to experience more of Saint Lucia, consider booking a tour. Some of the best tour operators include Plantation Tours, Vieux Fort Tours, and Blue Lagoon Tours.
19. The Grenadines.
English is the official language here, but here and there you will come across locals speaking their local dialect which is Vincentian creole, the population here is predominantly African.
The Grenadines are a group of small islands located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. They are known for their crystal-clear waters, lush rainforest, and beautiful beaches.
The islands are well known for their robust tourism sector, and there are many things to do on the islands.
Some of the tourist sites on the islands include Grenada's capital, Saint George's, the Blue Lagoon, and the Grenadines National Museum. The islands are also known for their diverse culture and cuisine.
20. The Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean and hosts a population of over 39000, apart from being a beautiful and secluded island chain, it is perfect for a relaxing vacation.
The islands are known for their crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation. There are plenty of tourist sites to visit in Turks and Caicos, but some of the favorites include Grand Turk, Providenciales, and Salt Pond.
If you’re looking to stay active while on your vacation, there are plenty of activities to choose from. You can spend your mornings swimming in the clear waters or hiking through the lush vegetation. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a relaxing day at one of the scenic islands’
21. Bali Islands.
Bali is an island province in Indonesia and here you will find an astonishing 17500 islands, it is a stunning tourist destination with plenty to see and do. Here are some of the top islands you can visit around Bali;
Nusa Ceningan.
Nusa Ceningan is a small island located in the middle of the Java Sea and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning coral reefs, and incredible natural scenery, and there are several things to do on Nusa Ceningan if you are visiting the island.
Some of the most popular tourist sites here are the Lingga Islands, the Ceningan Marine National Park, and the Gili Lankan National Park which is home to some of the best coral reefs in the world, and it is worth visiting
Java.
Java is beautiful with a rich cultural heritage. The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, is located in Java and what a bustling metropolis it is, with skyscrapers and busy streets, while the countryside is dotted with traditional villages and plantations.
There are many tourist sites to visit in Java, including the Hindu temple complex of Borobudur, and the beautiful Pliny's Natural History Museum in Yogyakarta.
There are also plenty of things to do in Java, including experiencing the traditional culture of Java, visiting the popular tourist destinations, and sampling the delicious local cuisine.
Komodo National Park.
This Park is the world's largest volcanic island national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is located in the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia and is home to the world's largest population of Komodo dragons.
There are several tourist attractions in the park, including active volcanoes, waterfalls, and lagoons. The park is also home to several bird and animal species. The park is open to visitors year-round, and there are professional tour operators that offer Komodo National Park tours.
Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida is an interesting destination with a range of tourist sites and things to do, and these include;
visiting the stunning coral reef off Nusa Penida which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a wide range of marine life, including reef sharks and manta rays.
You can also hit the trails through the rainforest and this is a great way to explore the lush vegetation and see wildlife such as monkeys and snakes.
Moyo Island.
Moyo Island is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The island is also home to several tourist attractions, including a nature reserve, a waterfall, and a butterfly garden. There are also several things to do on Moyo Island, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and hiking.
Gili Meno.
The island is known for its crystal-clear water and beautiful coral reefs. The island has several tourist sites and things to do, including diving, snorkeling, cycling, kayaking, and windsurfing.
22. Bora Bora.
Bora Bora is a small, private island found in the South Pacific northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia and it offers an astounding array of activities and experiences for visitors.
The best way to see the island is to walk its beaches and paths and swim in crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and dramatic cliffs. There are also several activities to keep visitors busy, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and paddle boarding.
Some of the best spots to stay on the island are the Bora Bora Resort and Spa, the Akara Resort and Spa, and the L’Oasis Resort and Spa. These resorts offer a range of amenities and services.
A single-night stay in a 3-star hotel in Bora Bora will set you back $118 so be prepared.
Conclusion.
It's never an easy thing to pick the most beautiful islands in the world.
From the Atlantic to the vast Pacific, from the Arctic to the dark depths of the Indian Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico, we have put them all here.
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